Bill > HB272

This bill creates a new law in Delaware that makes it illegal to use force, threats of force, or physical obstruction to harm, intimidate, or interfere with individuals seeking or providing reproductive health services, or to try to persuade others regarding reproductive health choices. It also prohibits similar actions against individuals lawfully exercising or seeking to exercise religious freedom at a place of worship, and the intentional damage or destruction of property at facilities providing reproductive health services or at places of worship. Violations are classified as misdemeanors or felonies depending on the severity, with increased penalties for repeat offenses, bodily injury, or death. The bill also establishes civil remedies, allowing individuals affected by these prohibited actions to sue for injunctive relief, compensatory or statutory damages, and legal costs, and empowers the Attorney General to bring civil actions seeking injunctive relief, compensatory damages, and civil penalties. Importantly, the bill clarifies that parents or legal guardians are not subject to these penalties for actions directed exclusively at their minor children, and it defines key terms like "facility," "interfere with," "intimidate," "physical obstruction," "place of worship," and "reproductive health services." The bill also explicitly states that it does not prohibit constitutionally protected expressive conduct, such as peaceful picketing, and does not create new remedies for interference with free speech or religious exercise outside of these specific contexts.

Justice

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142788